Église Saint-Jean-Bosco, Art Deco church in 20th arrondissement, Paris, France
The Église Saint-Jean-Bosco is a reinforced concrete church with a 53-meter-high tower in Paris's 20th arrondissement. The building displays geometric patterns typical of Art Deco style throughout its structure.
The church was built between 1933 and 1937 by architect Dumitru Rotter and his son René, taking inspiration from Notre-Dame du Raincy. This project emerged during an era when reinforced concrete became a modern building material and opened new architectural possibilities.
The Salesians' devotion to the Virgin Mary shapes the nave vaults, painted with the Mysteries of the Rosary: the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries, framed by the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. In the choir, a mosaic shows the Holy Spirit enveloping the Father and the Son, surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. The parish also runs a Laudato si' group and has held the Église verte label since 2021.
The building sits on rue Alexandre Dumas and is easily reached via the nearby Alexandre Dumas metro station. Check opening hours beforehand, as times may vary depending on religious services and events.
The lower church was reserved for students of the church school, while the upper church served the parish from 1938. The crypt, dedicated to Saint Anne, now functions as a parish reception room. The bell tower holds a carillon of 28 bells cast by the Paccard foundry.
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